The Monday Expert - Round 8 Kangaroos vs West Coast Eagles
Another loss, albeit a close one.
North Melbourne 5.2 7.2 11.8 13.11 (89)
West Coast 4.3 9.5 10.7 12.11 (83)
This game was a game of contrasts.
It was a far improved showing from our boys. And that was heartening. But it was still another loss, our seventh in a row.
It was great to see our ball movement improve through the middle of the ground. But it was still disappointing to see that drop off in the second half.
It was encouraging to see, yet again, the first year players step up and show their immense potential. But it was also a fact that now took the game by the neck when the opportunity presented itself.
It was good to see Staker get involved in the play early and play a game worthy of his 90+ games experience. But it was also true he was quiet after half time.
It was fantastic to see Embley play back and show some of the form bursting forward that won his the Norm Smith. But he’s also got to do it again next week.
The truth is although we lost it probably is of no (negative) consequence in the long run. If I think back to 2001 (and those horror years under Judgey) we are undoubtedly in a far better position now than we were then. Our list is young and the young are playing. The stop-gap measures of the past (recycled players and the like) are not on the radar and we’re better for it.
Having said that there is discussion that the Eagles might be interested in an out of contract Daniel Wells at the end of the year. It certainly seems un-Eagle like to do that - given the price the Roos might seek and the premium we place on picks. But there is something about Wells that seems so sublime and so unfulfilled that I’d love to see him go on with it in the blue and gold. The flipside is we get another overpriced, overhyped and underperforming player like exhibit A - Des Headland over at Freo.
The truth is there will be changes at the end of 08 and we have that to look forward to. In the meantime the like of Kennedy, Masten, Ebert and co give us cause for optimism as the year grows on us. Schofield, first-gamer Davis and McKinley were again promising. Promising is good - we just need it to form a foundation of something much more than that. And I think it’s coming.
May 20th 2008
You’ve pretty much mirrored my thoughts on the game there Bruce - lots of promise shown, and a lot of positives to take out of the match, but it would have been nice to have been able to close it out. In the long run I’m sure the boys will get the winning confidence back, but each loss makes the losing habit harder to break.
You’re probably a tad harsh on Staker, given that he was shifted around at half time and had more of a negating role - the fact that he wasn’t noticed is much was a good thing IMO. Kudos to Fletcher on a very good game too, but like Embley and others, he needs to back up with another good game this week … and the week after … etc.
Wells in the Wings is a nice thought, if we don’t have to lose any of our developing younguns to get him. While he’s been a bit inconsistent, he’s also shown that he can be a very good player at AFL level, and I’d definitely be willing to gamble a first round pick, even top ten, on him. He’s still pretty young himself, and drafting an unproven kid can be a risk, no matter how highly they’re rated. *cough*Samps*cough*
May 20th 2008
The fact is as a player I like Staker. He’s big, he’s fast, he’s pretty well skilled, he’s good overhead (albeit a confidence player overhead) and on the deck. What’s not to love?
Unfortunately, it doesn’t come together as often as I’d like to see. He has been given the spare parts role throughout his career and admittedly that has made it hard for him. But as he nears 100 games and at 23 I reckon the sort of game he played on Sat should be his bread and butter.
He seems to be a bloke who if he gets some touches early is good for the rest of the game - if not is battling uphill for the rest of the game.
I hope this season he can improve his consistency - whether it is back, mid or forward. Otherwise he will be likely to head to the Gold Coast for good IMO.
Credit to Fletcher like you said - was more assured and involved than has been for ages.
May 20th 2008
Yeah I agree that Staker needs to be much more consistent on a game by game basis, just that I thought he didn’t go missing after half time in the last game so much, as he was put in a less prominent role. Anyhoo let’s hope he plays to his potential from now on - he could be anything, an out and out superstar, if he does.
May 20th 2008
Yeah point taken - he did move up the field in the 2nd half. But without labouring the point - his versatility is his own worst enemy as he constantly is moving positions. Would love to see him play 4 or 5 games in the same position (or end of the ground is more realistic) and see what he could do. Now’s the time to try it.